Description
This classic cheesy chicken spaghetti bake recipe combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that families will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken fillets, cooked and shredded (about 4 cups; rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, cooked
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom and chicken soup
- 1 10-oz (283 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
- 1 lb (454 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup diced green onions
Instructions
- Chicken Preparation: Dice or shred chicken from tender fillets or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken after removing skin and bones.
- Pasta Cooking: Boil spaghetti in a large pot until perfectly al dente, then drain completely in a colander.
- Sauce Creation: Combine chicken broth, Velveeta, cream cheese, condensed cream soup, Rotel tomatoes, and black pepper in a saucepan. Melt ingredients over medium heat, whisking until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Mixing Components: Incorporate drained spaghetti and prepared chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring thorough coating of all ingredients.
- Cooking Method: For stovetop, maintain medium-low heat until heated through. For oven method, transfer mixture to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Baking and Finishing: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, optionally topping with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions during the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Serving and Resting: Let casserole rest 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to set the sauce. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
- Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
Notes
- Chicken Selection Matters: Choose tender, high-quality chicken fillets or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and ease of preparation.
- Pasta Perfection Tip: Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure the pasta holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Sauce Technique: Whisk ingredients slowly and continuously over medium heat to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Moisture Preservation Hack: When reheating leftovers, always add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1130 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg